How to stop resource guarding of humans?
Skye Lubowitz
2025-05-24 04:50:24
Count answers: 2
If your dog shows guarding behaviours, leave them well alone when they are enjoying food or playing with toys by themselves.
Contact our Behaviour Support Line for free expert advice or ask your vet to refer you to a qualified behaviourist for individual support.
The best way to prevent dogs from resource guarding is to teach them from the start that there is no need to worry about losing anything they find valuable.
If you need to take something from your dog, swap it for something else that your dog considers to be equally or even more valuable.
Offer your dog the better item before trying to take what they have away.
You could drop several treats on the ground near your dog, so they have to leave the item to go and eat them.
Then you can calmly pick up the item while they’re enjoying themselves.
Always swap the dog's item for something else, being consistent and always swapping items will help dogs learn to share without being worried.
Teach your dog to swap and drop, you can teach your dog to drop and swap during fun training sessions.